Luis Suarez verdict due on Thursday

Liverpool head into the new Premier League season without Luis Suarez but with a host of new signings.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) expects to announce a verdict on the appeal by Barcelona forward Luis Suarez against his four-month ban from football on Thursday afternoon, according to a statement.

On Wednesday morning the court published a statement on its official website which reads: "The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will announce its decision in the matter Luis Suarez, FC Barcelona & the Uruguayan FA on Thursday Aug. 14 2014 at around 3 p.m. [local time, 9 a.m. ET]. This case was heard on Aug. 8 2014 at the CAS offices in Lausanne.

"At the request of the Appellants and with the agreement of FIFA, the CAS has conducted an expedited arbitration procedure. As a consequence, the CAS Panel has accepted to render its decision within a short period of time but with grounds to follow later."

Barcelona striker Suarez is fighting his ban from all football-related activity.

Despite the bite on Chiellini, Barcelona pushed ahead with their pursuit of the Uruguay striker, signing him from Liverpool in a 75 million-pound deal.

LUIS SUAREZ 2013-14 SEASON IN NUMBERS

• 31 - Premier League goals, winning the Golden Boot.
• 12 - Most assists in the Premier League.
• 24 - Scored the most goals from inside the box.
• 4 - Scored the most goals from counterattacks.
• 9 - Had the most shots that hit the woodwork.
• 3 - Most penalties won in the Premier League.
• 237 - Attempted more dribbles than any other player.